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North Carolina Division of Water Quality annual report of fish kill events

North Carolina Division of Water Quality annual report of fish kill events

Fish kill behind Masonboro Island, January, 2013.
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Annual Report of Fish Kill Events
2013
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Resources
Raleigh, NC
October 2013
1
This page intentionally left blank
2
2013 Fish Kill Summary
As of October, 2013, investigators have reported 13 fish kill events statewide for the
2013 season (Figure 1). Kill activity was documented during the year in eight of the
state’s 17 major river basins. Kill events were reported in coastal waters as well as inland
westward to Henderson County.
Fish kills reported from inland waters were sporadic and small in nature. A number of
events were reported from small private ponds and involved 200 fish or less. The most
notable inland kill events were reported from Lake Twitty (Union County) and Leith
Creek (Scotland Co.) and affected 500 fish or less.
Coastal fish kills followed a pattern seen in 2012 with extended kills of Atlantic
menhaden reported from the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico estuaries and associated tributaries
in late September and early October. These events comprised a vast majority of the
2013 mortality estimate and exhibited the familiar symptoms of fish stress, lesions, and
subsequent water mold (Aphanomyces invadans) infection.
According to DWR investigations, the total statewide mortality for the year was over
20.6 million fish. It should be noted that the totals for the year’s larger coastal events are
grossly underestimated due to the extensive geographic areas and resource limitations of
field staff charged with formally documenting the scope of the kill. Reported mortality
totals for individual events in 2013 ranged from 75 to over 10 million.
ESS records fish kill events when at least 25 fish are affected and the event is confirmed
by trained investigators from regional offices and cooperating agencies.
Fish kill information for the current year is posted weekly from June to November on the
DWR fish kill website: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ess/fishkillsmain. This report
will also be available on the ESS website after approval.
· Total Reported Events for 2013 13
· Freshwater Kills 7
· Estuarine Kills 6
· Ocean Kills 0
· Reported Fish Mortality for 2013 20,608,452*
§ Estuarine Mortality 20,607,000
§ Freshwater Mortality 1,452
· Report Mortality Range 75 to 10,000,000
· River Basins with Kill Activity 8 (of 17)
* Considered an underestimate.
3
Introduction
The reporting of fish kill activity across North Carolina is based on protocols established
by the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (DWR, formerly Division of Water
Quality) in 1996. The protocols were developed with assistance from DWR Regional
Office staff, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission biologists, and Division of
Marine Fisheries personnel as a means to improve the tracking and reporting of fish kill
events throughout the state. Fish kill and fish health investigation data are recorded on a
standardized form and sent to the DWR’s Environmental Sciences Section (ESS) where
the data are compiled and reviewed. Fish kill investigation forms, laboratory test results,
and supplemental information regarding fish kill events are sent to the ESS and entered
into a central database where the information can be managed and reported. The
procedure also requires the notification of appropriate state officials and scientists
associated with the investigation of such events. The protocols have proven successful in
standardizing reporting methods and enhancing the quality and quantity of information
reported from fish kill events.
This document is a summary of fish kill events reported to the DWR from January to
October, 2013. The report is mandated under NC General Statutes §143B-279.7 (c).
Figure 1 : Fish kill events and observed mortality reported to NCDWR during 2013
4
5
Basin Activity
Investigators reported fish kill events in eight of the state’s major river basins during the
2013 season (Figure 1, Table 1). Reports of kill activity in coastal waters were received
from the Pamlico and Neuse River estuaries as well as the Cape Fear River basin near
Wilmington. The estuaries have historically experienced adverse environmental
conditions during warm months such as stratification, low dissolved oxygen, and high
water temperatures that act as major factors in fish kill activity. Reported activity in other
river basins across the state was sporadic or absent, and involved 500 or fewer fish. Total
reported events for all basins numbered 13 and was among the lowest since 1996.
Table 1: Fish kill events by basin, 1996 – 2013*
* No fish kill reports have been received from the Hiwassee, Little Tennessee, and Savannah basins since
1996.
Fish Mortality
Conversely, the 2013 season yielded a reported mortality total of over 20.6 million
individuals. This estimate represents the largest total in the last ten years (Figure 3).
Nearly all of the year’s mortality was composed of Atlantic menhaden observed in the
Neuse and Tar-Pamlico estuaries during late September and early October, 2013.
Furthermore, information from investigators and calls from citizens suggest the total
mortality reported for the estuarine events represents a significant underestimation of the
numbers of fish that actually perished during the time period. As these events were
protracted and widespread, DWR investigators could not verify the mortality total in
many areas. Fish mortality during 2013 follows similar patterns observed in past years
where relatively small events occur inland throughout the bulk of the season, followed by
Year
1996 None 21 None 2 None 14 4 10 2 3 None 3 1 60
1997 None 16 3 2 2 12 3 2 None 6 None 3 10 59
1998 None 23 1 1 3 8 5 8 1 5 None 1 2 58
1999 1 14 3 1 1 16 None 2 None 11 1 3 1 54
2000 None 12 2 None None 23 2 None None 14 None 3 2 58
2001 None 5 4 1 None 37 None 1 None 23 None 3 3 77
2002 None 8 1 2 1 9 None 6 None 8 None 3 8 46
2003 None 3 None 2 1 21 2 2 2 6 2 None 2 43
2004 None 1 None 1 None 8 1 None 1 2 None None 3 17
2005 None 2 None 1 None 9 1 2 1 1 None 1 1 19
2006 1 5 2 None None 10 2 None 2 2 None None 1 25
2007 1 1 2 1 3 10 None 1 1 5 None None 2 27
2008 None 10 2 2 2 21 None 4 None 16 None None 4 61
2009 None 3 None 2 None 15 None None None 11 None None 2 33
2010 None 7 5 1 1 2 None 1 None 1 2 1 1 22
2011 None 5 5 2 None 8 1 3 2 4 None None 3 33
2012 None 2 3 None None 2 None None None 7 None 1 1 16
2013 None 2 1 None 1 4 1 None 1 2 None None 1 13
Total 3 140 34 21 15 229 22 42 13 127 5 22 48 721
Broad
Cape
Fear Catawba Chowan
French
Broad Neuse Yadkin
Annual
Lumber Pasquotank Roanoke Tar/Pamlico New/Watauga Totals
White
Oak
6
large coastal menhaden kills occurring late in the season that comprise the majority of the
year’s mortality figures.
Figure 2: Reported annual fish kill events, 2003 to 2013
Figure 3: Reported annual fish kill mortality, 2003 to 2013
7
Table 2: Finfish species and observed frequencies reported for 2013 fish kill events
Species Number of events Waterbody Type
ATLANTIC MENHADEN 6 Estuary
CARP 1 Fresh
CROAKER 2 Estuary
LARGEMOUTH BASS 4 Fresh
PINFISH 1 Estuary
RIVER CHUB 1 Fresh
SCULPIN 1 Fresh
SHAD 2 Fresh
STONEROLLER 1 Fresh
SUNFISH 5 Fresh
Fish Species Reported
Fish kill events in 2013 involved at least 10 species of fish both freshwater and estuarine.
(Table 2). Freshwater species most frequently observed included largemouth bass and
sunfishes. Atlantic menhaden were observed as the principle species of extended kills on
both the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico estuaries during September and October, 2013.
Menhaden have historically been the principal species in coastal North Carolina fish kills
and have often comprised the majority of the annual finfish mortality.
Harmful Algal Blooms Associated With Fish Kills
Algal samples were collected by investigators in conjunction with three fish kill events
during 2013. Results indicated all algal species identified by DWR staff were typical for
local estuarine and fresh waters during the summer season and none were cited as a major
factor in any kill events.
A number of algal species identified in North Carolina waters have the potential to
produce toxins capable of harming aquatic life. None of these toxins were identified,
isolated or cited as a cause for fish kill events in North Carolina during 2013. Lesions
were reported on fish involved in kills on the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico estuaries, and fish
samples were collected for submittal to experts from the NOAA marine lab in Beaufort.
Unfortunately these samples could not be examined at the time of this report due to
scheduling difficulties attributed to the federal government shutdown during October.
Historically, experts at the NOAA lab have attributed lesion injuries to the water mold
Aphanomyces invadans. Work by numerous investigators beginning in the 1980s has
shown the majority of lesions in fish collected from North Carolina estuaries were due to
8
Aphanomyces invadans. This conclusion has been confirmed since 2006 using a species-specific
molecular assay developed by Vandersea et al. (2006).
2013 Summary
Freshwaters:
Kill activity reported from inland waterbodies was light and small in scale during the
2013 season. All inland events involved relatively small waterbodies and private ponds.
The only notable events were reported from Lake Twitty (Union County) and Leith
Creek (Scotland County) involving 500 and 300 fish respectively (See Appendix). Lake
Twitty was the site of a multispecies fish kill in July 2012. The lake is located in an
urban area and suffers from frequent algal blooms and effects from stormwater runoff.
Coastal Events:
The vast majority of the reported fish mortality for 2013 occurred within the Neuse and
Tar-Pamlico estuaries beginning in late September and October. The lower Neuse, as
well as the lower Pamlico estuary, have historically experienced adverse environmental
conditions for fish populations such as low dissolved oxygen, high water temperatures,
and fluctuating salinities. Consequently, these areas often produce some of the more
severe kills events reported annually
The DWR Estuarine Monitoring Team responded to multiple fish kill calls from citizens
and observed dead and dying menhaden from New Bern downstream to Slocum Creek in
late September and October. The kills extended across the Neuse river in some areas,
particularly in the Flanner’s Beach and James City areas. Most of the menhaden
observed (99%) had red sores/lesions. Lesions were observed in similar historical events
and were documented as Ulcerative Mycosis caused by a slime mold Aphanomyces
invadens. This species of fungus tends to reproduce more frequently as falling ambient
temperatures begin to cool river temperatures. It is ubiquitous in fresher waters
worldwide and has been documented as a significant factor in North Carolina coastal fish
kills. The 2013 Neuse events were protracted and widespread and thus difficult to
enumerate. Best estimates put a total fish mortality at well over 10 million.
Similar conditions were also observed along the Pamlico River estuary and tributaries
during the months of September and October. The Estuarine Monitoring Team received
multiple phone calls regarding dead and dying menhaden among Chocowinity Bay,
Blounts Creek, Blounts Bay, and the Pamlico proper downstream to the Pamlico Point
area. The menhaden displayed similar lesion prevalence and the events were large and
protracted.
9
A relatively large kill of Atlantic menhaden was also documented in Banks Channel, near
Wilmington during January, 2013. Monitoring data suggested the menhaden appeared to
fall victim to a sudden drop in dissolved oxygen levels, perhaps as a result of the school
overcrowding. Lesions or injuries were not observed on the victims.
As of October 21, 2013, the events observed in the Neuse and Tar Pamlico waters are still
considered to be ongoing. Updates for events occurring during the remainder of the year
can be found at the DWR website: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ess/fishkillsmain
10
Appendix: 2013 Fish Kill Summaries
Listed by County
20,608,452
Total Fish 2013 Kills:
Total 2 0 1 3 Fish Mortality:
13
Date Kill Number Waterbody Location Mortality Comments
2013 Fish Kill Events (by County)
Beaufort
9/30/2013 WA13002 Pamlico River 2,500 Minor fish kill in Washington Park over the weekend. 3-5 inch Menhaden DWR staff estimated
around 2500 fish. All Menhaden had Ulcerative Mycosis (UM) lesions. Decay rates indicate around
24-36 hours old. Bloom samples taken even though physical data did not indicate active bloom. Most
likely UM lesions weakened this small school of fish and high wind conditions over the weekend
could have up-welled bad bottom water. The sample indicated a bloom of small round diatoms.
The algal sample composition was typical for fall in local estuarine waters. Total algal sample density
was 28,000 units/ml.
Washington
Park
10/2/2013 WA13005 Pamlico River 10,000,000 The DWR EMT received multiple phone calls regarding dead and dying menhaden among
Chocowinity Bay, Blounts Creek, Blounts Bay, and the Pamlico proper downstream to the Pamlico
Point area.
Three to five inch Menhaden were observed to be from several days old to recently dying and
lethargic. Most of the menhaden observed (99%) had red sores/lesions. This has been observed in the
past (almost exactly a year previous to date) and have been documented as Ulcerative Mycosis caused
by a slime mold Aphanomyces invadens.
Given the large extent of the kill, and the likelihood that it will continue to occur as water
temperatures cool, it was difficult to enumerate the event. A best educated estimate would put
mortality numbers into the tens of millions.
**UDPATE**
10/09/2013
Recent cloudy and rainy weather may decrease the impact of oscillating DO from algal blooms.
However, the slime mold may continue to cause secondary mortalities.
Algal bloom reports indicate a mixture of raphidophyte algae (Chattonella and Heterosigma) were also
present. Total algal sample density was 23,000 units/ml. Chattonella and Heterosigma are reported in
the academic literature as capable of producing toxins, but there have been no known reports of health
effects associated with them in North Carolina.
Algal community composition was typical for fall in local estuarine waters.
Washington
Park, Blounts
Creek
Total Kills for County: 2 Total Mortality for County: 10,002,500
Page 1 of 4
Date Kill Number Waterbody Location Mortality Comments
2013 Fish Kill Events (by County)
Craven
8/14/2013 WA13001 Neuse River 100,000 EMT staff investigated a fish kill on Tuesday August 13th, at Flanner's Beach located on the south
side of the Neuse River in New Bern. Staff was notified of this fish kill Monday. Observations
indicated dead decaying menhaden and croaker along the shoreline near Flanner's Beach and extended
towards Carolina Pines. Prior investigators indicated this kill extended downstream to Slocum Creek
near Havelock area.
Monday evening's weather included heavy rainfall, washing away most of the kill. Therefore a proper
count could not be ascertained. Some Menhaden and Croaker were observed. Fish lengths varied from
100 mm to 600 mm with most of the larger sized fish being Menhaden.
An overview of the historical weekend weather indicated calm, hot sunny days. It is possible that
algal blooms were occuring during the weekend as water temps were near 33 degrees by 11:00 a.m.
this week. Dissolved oxygen was near 9 mg/L and pH was near 8.0. Salinties were well over 23 ppt.
Nightime die-off of these blooms and subsequent lack of DO, coupled with storm/wind activities
could have contributed to this localized fish kill.
Water quality samples were collected at the Flanner's Beach area and sent to The Division of Water
Resources Laboratory in Raleigh for further investigation.
Flanners
Beach
10/2/2013 WA13004 Neuse River 10,000,000 The DWR EMT responded to several fish kill calls from citizens residing from James city and
Carolina Pines. EMT staff observed dead and dying menhaden near Union Point Park in New Bern all
the way downstream to where the River meets the mouth of Slocum Creek. The kill extend across the
river in some areas (particularly Flanner’s Beach area and James City area), with densities of fish
varying as the northerly winds push to the southern shore.
Three to five inch Menhaden were observed to be from several days old to recently dying and
lethargic. Most of the menhaden observed (99%) had red sores/lesions. This has been observed in the
past (almost exactly a year previous to date) and was documented as Ulcerative Mycosis caused by a
slime mold Aphanomyces invadens.
Physical data recorded indicated algal bloom activity beginning mid morning. DO values ranged from
5.4 to 8.5 mg/L. Salinities were from 3 to 12 ppt. Algal bloom samples were collected and sent to
DWR’s chemical laboratory for further analysis. Dying fish with lesions were collected and will be
frozen for further analysis by NOAA’s Wayne Litaker et al when possible. Given the large extent of
the kill, it is difficult to enumerate this situation. A best educated estimate would put these numbers
into the tens of millions.
**UDPATE**
10/09/2013
EMT staff continue to receive phone calls regarding dead fish. A resident of Northwest Creek
(Fairfield Harbor area) called to report dead fish all the way up to its headwaters. So it should be
expected to see adjaent tributaries affected by this slime mold and developing algal blooms during the
days, paired with low DO events during the evenings.
Recent cloudy and rainy weather may decrease the impact of oscillating DO from algal blooms.
However, the slime mold may continue to cause secondary mortalities.
New Bern,
Fishers
Landing,
Page 2 of 4
Date Kill Number Waterbody Location Mortality Comments
2013 Fish Kill Events (by County)
Phytoplankton samples near James City indicated a bloom of the harmless dinoflagellate, Polykrikos
and small round diatoms. Total algal sample density was 12,000 units/ml. Downstream samples near
Slocum Creek indicated a bloom of small round diatoms and the harmless chain diatom,
Leptocylindrus. Total algal sample density was 16,000 units/ml. Algal community composition was
typical for fall in local estuarine waters.
Total Kills for County: 2 Total Mortality for County: 10,100,000
Granville
8/19/2013 RA13002 Private Pond 200 Fish kill was first observed by landowner on 8/17/13. Dying fish were observed on surface gasping
for air. Stream that provided source for pond showed very high conductivity (380) and little flow.
Sanitary sewer line reported upstream from pond. Nutrient and fecal coliform samples collected.
Results pending.
Creedmoor
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 200
Henderson
4/2/2013 AS13001 UT to Britton Creek 75 City employee allowed 8 to 10 gallons of a chlorine solution to enter a storm drain in the vicinity of
the kill. Investigators suspected spill amount was enough to cause the event.
Hendersonville
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 75
Mecklenburg
7/16/2013 MO13001 Private pond 127 The main contributor to the kill appeared to be an upstream construction site that had recently
completed the logging phase of the grading and then sat idle for a month due to recent rainfall.
Grading activity restarted and a rainfall event occurred (~4" in less than 3 hours) that collected
material into the site sediment basin. The sediment basin discharged extremely hypoxic water,
sediment, and organic material into the pond where the fish kill occurred. In conjunction, a broken
private sewer lateral was found and contributed to low DO levels and organic material in the pond.
NW Charlotte
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 127
New Hanover
1/8/2013 WL13001 Banks Channel 500,000 National Estuarine Research Reserve System monitoring station showed a DO drop around the time of
the kill. Investigators Speculated that the fish school moved up the creek with the rising tide, became
too crowded, suffocated, and then were washed out as the tide dropped.
near
Masonboro
Inlet
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 500,000
Page 3 of 4
Date Kill Number Waterbody Location Mortality Comments
2013 Fish Kill Events (by County)
Pamlico
9/16/2013 WA13003 Neuse River 4,500 This report is based off a Neuse Riverkeeper incident report. Call received from a citizen who
estimated thousands of fish affected. UNC Marine Lab recorded low dissolved oxygen levels in the
area of the incident prior to occurrence. Neuse Riverkeeper visited the site and estimated between 3
and 5 thousand fish affected. She forwarded observations and photos to the DWR EMT. Cause of kill
was suspected to be a result of low dissolved oxygen.
Kennel Beach
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 4,500
Person
7/5/2013 RA13001 Private Pond 150 Fish kill was observed by landowner on 6/28/13. Over 2 days he observed nearly 100 bluegill and 50
largemouth bass dead or dying in the pond. Dying fish were near surface gasping for air. He took
pictures and showed them to DWR personel. Second pond that recieves drainage was not affected.
Prior to fish kill Roxboro had very heavy rainfall which was concluded to cause D.O. problems
leading to the fish kill.
near Roxboro
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 150
Sampson
4/26/2013 FA13001 Serenity Lake 100 The water level in the five acre pond was down approximately five feet. Approximately 100 dead
brim were positioned high on shore (approximately one to two feet). Live bass were seen in the pond,
and appeared to be active and unaffected. The fish kill appeared to have finished. One of the
residents admitted that he had sprayed the shoreline with Round-Up where the water had receded,
approximately three weeks prior to the fish kill.
near Clinton
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 100
Scotland
5/1/2013 FA13002 Leith Creek 300 Approximately 200 to 300 dead fish first reported to FRO in Leith Creek at a location between 1st
Street and 3rd Street in East Laurinburg. City of Laurinburg Utilities checked manholes and lift
stations, and found no problems. Investigators observed a storm water tributary that flowed into
Leith Creek (34° 47’ 35.44 N, 79° 27’ 42.26 W, Hwy 15 bridge McColl Road). The tributary had a
white cloudy appearance with a small amount of foam on the surface. Water samples collected
included BOD, COD, Pesticides, Herbicides, AmmoniaNitrate plus Nitrite, Phosphorus. Cause not
determined and chemistries are still pending . BIMS Incident Number 201300927.
Laurinburg
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 300
Union
3/4/2013 MO13002 Lake Twitty near Monroe 500 Heavy rain reported on Feb 26 and additional heavy rains reported 7 days prior.
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 500
Page 4 of 4

Fish kill behind Masonboro Island, January, 2013.
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Annual Report of Fish Kill Events
2013
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Resources
Raleigh, NC
October 2013
1
This page intentionally left blank
2
2013 Fish Kill Summary
As of October, 2013, investigators have reported 13 fish kill events statewide for the
2013 season (Figure 1). Kill activity was documented during the year in eight of the
state’s 17 major river basins. Kill events were reported in coastal waters as well as inland
westward to Henderson County.
Fish kills reported from inland waters were sporadic and small in nature. A number of
events were reported from small private ponds and involved 200 fish or less. The most
notable inland kill events were reported from Lake Twitty (Union County) and Leith
Creek (Scotland Co.) and affected 500 fish or less.
Coastal fish kills followed a pattern seen in 2012 with extended kills of Atlantic
menhaden reported from the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico estuaries and associated tributaries
in late September and early October. These events comprised a vast majority of the
2013 mortality estimate and exhibited the familiar symptoms of fish stress, lesions, and
subsequent water mold (Aphanomyces invadans) infection.
According to DWR investigations, the total statewide mortality for the year was over
20.6 million fish. It should be noted that the totals for the year’s larger coastal events are
grossly underestimated due to the extensive geographic areas and resource limitations of
field staff charged with formally documenting the scope of the kill. Reported mortality
totals for individual events in 2013 ranged from 75 to over 10 million.
ESS records fish kill events when at least 25 fish are affected and the event is confirmed
by trained investigators from regional offices and cooperating agencies.
Fish kill information for the current year is posted weekly from June to November on the
DWR fish kill website: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ess/fishkillsmain. This report
will also be available on the ESS website after approval.
· Total Reported Events for 2013 13
· Freshwater Kills 7
· Estuarine Kills 6
· Ocean Kills 0
· Reported Fish Mortality for 2013 20,608,452*
§ Estuarine Mortality 20,607,000
§ Freshwater Mortality 1,452
· Report Mortality Range 75 to 10,000,000
· River Basins with Kill Activity 8 (of 17)
* Considered an underestimate.
3
Introduction
The reporting of fish kill activity across North Carolina is based on protocols established
by the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (DWR, formerly Division of Water
Quality) in 1996. The protocols were developed with assistance from DWR Regional
Office staff, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission biologists, and Division of
Marine Fisheries personnel as a means to improve the tracking and reporting of fish kill
events throughout the state. Fish kill and fish health investigation data are recorded on a
standardized form and sent to the DWR’s Environmental Sciences Section (ESS) where
the data are compiled and reviewed. Fish kill investigation forms, laboratory test results,
and supplemental information regarding fish kill events are sent to the ESS and entered
into a central database where the information can be managed and reported. The
procedure also requires the notification of appropriate state officials and scientists
associated with the investigation of such events. The protocols have proven successful in
standardizing reporting methods and enhancing the quality and quantity of information
reported from fish kill events.
This document is a summary of fish kill events reported to the DWR from January to
October, 2013. The report is mandated under NC General Statutes §143B-279.7 (c).
Figure 1 : Fish kill events and observed mortality reported to NCDWR during 2013
4
5
Basin Activity
Investigators reported fish kill events in eight of the state’s major river basins during the
2013 season (Figure 1, Table 1). Reports of kill activity in coastal waters were received
from the Pamlico and Neuse River estuaries as well as the Cape Fear River basin near
Wilmington. The estuaries have historically experienced adverse environmental
conditions during warm months such as stratification, low dissolved oxygen, and high
water temperatures that act as major factors in fish kill activity. Reported activity in other
river basins across the state was sporadic or absent, and involved 500 or fewer fish. Total
reported events for all basins numbered 13 and was among the lowest since 1996.
Table 1: Fish kill events by basin, 1996 – 2013*
* No fish kill reports have been received from the Hiwassee, Little Tennessee, and Savannah basins since
1996.
Fish Mortality
Conversely, the 2013 season yielded a reported mortality total of over 20.6 million
individuals. This estimate represents the largest total in the last ten years (Figure 3).
Nearly all of the year’s mortality was composed of Atlantic menhaden observed in the
Neuse and Tar-Pamlico estuaries during late September and early October, 2013.
Furthermore, information from investigators and calls from citizens suggest the total
mortality reported for the estuarine events represents a significant underestimation of the
numbers of fish that actually perished during the time period. As these events were
protracted and widespread, DWR investigators could not verify the mortality total in
many areas. Fish mortality during 2013 follows similar patterns observed in past years
where relatively small events occur inland throughout the bulk of the season, followed by
Year
1996 None 21 None 2 None 14 4 10 2 3 None 3 1 60
1997 None 16 3 2 2 12 3 2 None 6 None 3 10 59
1998 None 23 1 1 3 8 5 8 1 5 None 1 2 58
1999 1 14 3 1 1 16 None 2 None 11 1 3 1 54
2000 None 12 2 None None 23 2 None None 14 None 3 2 58
2001 None 5 4 1 None 37 None 1 None 23 None 3 3 77
2002 None 8 1 2 1 9 None 6 None 8 None 3 8 46
2003 None 3 None 2 1 21 2 2 2 6 2 None 2 43
2004 None 1 None 1 None 8 1 None 1 2 None None 3 17
2005 None 2 None 1 None 9 1 2 1 1 None 1 1 19
2006 1 5 2 None None 10 2 None 2 2 None None 1 25
2007 1 1 2 1 3 10 None 1 1 5 None None 2 27
2008 None 10 2 2 2 21 None 4 None 16 None None 4 61
2009 None 3 None 2 None 15 None None None 11 None None 2 33
2010 None 7 5 1 1 2 None 1 None 1 2 1 1 22
2011 None 5 5 2 None 8 1 3 2 4 None None 3 33
2012 None 2 3 None None 2 None None None 7 None 1 1 16
2013 None 2 1 None 1 4 1 None 1 2 None None 1 13
Total 3 140 34 21 15 229 22 42 13 127 5 22 48 721
Broad
Cape
Fear Catawba Chowan
French
Broad Neuse Yadkin
Annual
Lumber Pasquotank Roanoke Tar/Pamlico New/Watauga Totals
White
Oak
6
large coastal menhaden kills occurring late in the season that comprise the majority of the
year’s mortality figures.
Figure 2: Reported annual fish kill events, 2003 to 2013
Figure 3: Reported annual fish kill mortality, 2003 to 2013
7
Table 2: Finfish species and observed frequencies reported for 2013 fish kill events
Species Number of events Waterbody Type
ATLANTIC MENHADEN 6 Estuary
CARP 1 Fresh
CROAKER 2 Estuary
LARGEMOUTH BASS 4 Fresh
PINFISH 1 Estuary
RIVER CHUB 1 Fresh
SCULPIN 1 Fresh
SHAD 2 Fresh
STONEROLLER 1 Fresh
SUNFISH 5 Fresh
Fish Species Reported
Fish kill events in 2013 involved at least 10 species of fish both freshwater and estuarine.
(Table 2). Freshwater species most frequently observed included largemouth bass and
sunfishes. Atlantic menhaden were observed as the principle species of extended kills on
both the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico estuaries during September and October, 2013.
Menhaden have historically been the principal species in coastal North Carolina fish kills
and have often comprised the majority of the annual finfish mortality.
Harmful Algal Blooms Associated With Fish Kills
Algal samples were collected by investigators in conjunction with three fish kill events
during 2013. Results indicated all algal species identified by DWR staff were typical for
local estuarine and fresh waters during the summer season and none were cited as a major
factor in any kill events.
A number of algal species identified in North Carolina waters have the potential to
produce toxins capable of harming aquatic life. None of these toxins were identified,
isolated or cited as a cause for fish kill events in North Carolina during 2013. Lesions
were reported on fish involved in kills on the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico estuaries, and fish
samples were collected for submittal to experts from the NOAA marine lab in Beaufort.
Unfortunately these samples could not be examined at the time of this report due to
scheduling difficulties attributed to the federal government shutdown during October.
Historically, experts at the NOAA lab have attributed lesion injuries to the water mold
Aphanomyces invadans. Work by numerous investigators beginning in the 1980s has
shown the majority of lesions in fish collected from North Carolina estuaries were due to
8
Aphanomyces invadans. This conclusion has been confirmed since 2006 using a species-specific
molecular assay developed by Vandersea et al. (2006).
2013 Summary
Freshwaters:
Kill activity reported from inland waterbodies was light and small in scale during the
2013 season. All inland events involved relatively small waterbodies and private ponds.
The only notable events were reported from Lake Twitty (Union County) and Leith
Creek (Scotland County) involving 500 and 300 fish respectively (See Appendix). Lake
Twitty was the site of a multispecies fish kill in July 2012. The lake is located in an
urban area and suffers from frequent algal blooms and effects from stormwater runoff.
Coastal Events:
The vast majority of the reported fish mortality for 2013 occurred within the Neuse and
Tar-Pamlico estuaries beginning in late September and October. The lower Neuse, as
well as the lower Pamlico estuary, have historically experienced adverse environmental
conditions for fish populations such as low dissolved oxygen, high water temperatures,
and fluctuating salinities. Consequently, these areas often produce some of the more
severe kills events reported annually
The DWR Estuarine Monitoring Team responded to multiple fish kill calls from citizens
and observed dead and dying menhaden from New Bern downstream to Slocum Creek in
late September and October. The kills extended across the Neuse river in some areas,
particularly in the Flanner’s Beach and James City areas. Most of the menhaden
observed (99%) had red sores/lesions. Lesions were observed in similar historical events
and were documented as Ulcerative Mycosis caused by a slime mold Aphanomyces
invadens. This species of fungus tends to reproduce more frequently as falling ambient
temperatures begin to cool river temperatures. It is ubiquitous in fresher waters
worldwide and has been documented as a significant factor in North Carolina coastal fish
kills. The 2013 Neuse events were protracted and widespread and thus difficult to
enumerate. Best estimates put a total fish mortality at well over 10 million.
Similar conditions were also observed along the Pamlico River estuary and tributaries
during the months of September and October. The Estuarine Monitoring Team received
multiple phone calls regarding dead and dying menhaden among Chocowinity Bay,
Blounts Creek, Blounts Bay, and the Pamlico proper downstream to the Pamlico Point
area. The menhaden displayed similar lesion prevalence and the events were large and
protracted.
9
A relatively large kill of Atlantic menhaden was also documented in Banks Channel, near
Wilmington during January, 2013. Monitoring data suggested the menhaden appeared to
fall victim to a sudden drop in dissolved oxygen levels, perhaps as a result of the school
overcrowding. Lesions or injuries were not observed on the victims.
As of October 21, 2013, the events observed in the Neuse and Tar Pamlico waters are still
considered to be ongoing. Updates for events occurring during the remainder of the year
can be found at the DWR website: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ess/fishkillsmain
10
Appendix: 2013 Fish Kill Summaries
Listed by County
20,608,452
Total Fish 2013 Kills:
Total 2 0 1 3 Fish Mortality:
13
Date Kill Number Waterbody Location Mortality Comments
2013 Fish Kill Events (by County)
Beaufort
9/30/2013 WA13002 Pamlico River 2,500 Minor fish kill in Washington Park over the weekend. 3-5 inch Menhaden DWR staff estimated
around 2500 fish. All Menhaden had Ulcerative Mycosis (UM) lesions. Decay rates indicate around
24-36 hours old. Bloom samples taken even though physical data did not indicate active bloom. Most
likely UM lesions weakened this small school of fish and high wind conditions over the weekend
could have up-welled bad bottom water. The sample indicated a bloom of small round diatoms.
The algal sample composition was typical for fall in local estuarine waters. Total algal sample density
was 28,000 units/ml.
Washington
Park
10/2/2013 WA13005 Pamlico River 10,000,000 The DWR EMT received multiple phone calls regarding dead and dying menhaden among
Chocowinity Bay, Blounts Creek, Blounts Bay, and the Pamlico proper downstream to the Pamlico
Point area.
Three to five inch Menhaden were observed to be from several days old to recently dying and
lethargic. Most of the menhaden observed (99%) had red sores/lesions. This has been observed in the
past (almost exactly a year previous to date) and have been documented as Ulcerative Mycosis caused
by a slime mold Aphanomyces invadens.
Given the large extent of the kill, and the likelihood that it will continue to occur as water
temperatures cool, it was difficult to enumerate the event. A best educated estimate would put
mortality numbers into the tens of millions.
**UDPATE**
10/09/2013
Recent cloudy and rainy weather may decrease the impact of oscillating DO from algal blooms.
However, the slime mold may continue to cause secondary mortalities.
Algal bloom reports indicate a mixture of raphidophyte algae (Chattonella and Heterosigma) were also
present. Total algal sample density was 23,000 units/ml. Chattonella and Heterosigma are reported in
the academic literature as capable of producing toxins, but there have been no known reports of health
effects associated with them in North Carolina.
Algal community composition was typical for fall in local estuarine waters.
Washington
Park, Blounts
Creek
Total Kills for County: 2 Total Mortality for County: 10,002,500
Page 1 of 4
Date Kill Number Waterbody Location Mortality Comments
2013 Fish Kill Events (by County)
Craven
8/14/2013 WA13001 Neuse River 100,000 EMT staff investigated a fish kill on Tuesday August 13th, at Flanner's Beach located on the south
side of the Neuse River in New Bern. Staff was notified of this fish kill Monday. Observations
indicated dead decaying menhaden and croaker along the shoreline near Flanner's Beach and extended
towards Carolina Pines. Prior investigators indicated this kill extended downstream to Slocum Creek
near Havelock area.
Monday evening's weather included heavy rainfall, washing away most of the kill. Therefore a proper
count could not be ascertained. Some Menhaden and Croaker were observed. Fish lengths varied from
100 mm to 600 mm with most of the larger sized fish being Menhaden.
An overview of the historical weekend weather indicated calm, hot sunny days. It is possible that
algal blooms were occuring during the weekend as water temps were near 33 degrees by 11:00 a.m.
this week. Dissolved oxygen was near 9 mg/L and pH was near 8.0. Salinties were well over 23 ppt.
Nightime die-off of these blooms and subsequent lack of DO, coupled with storm/wind activities
could have contributed to this localized fish kill.
Water quality samples were collected at the Flanner's Beach area and sent to The Division of Water
Resources Laboratory in Raleigh for further investigation.
Flanners
Beach
10/2/2013 WA13004 Neuse River 10,000,000 The DWR EMT responded to several fish kill calls from citizens residing from James city and
Carolina Pines. EMT staff observed dead and dying menhaden near Union Point Park in New Bern all
the way downstream to where the River meets the mouth of Slocum Creek. The kill extend across the
river in some areas (particularly Flanner’s Beach area and James City area), with densities of fish
varying as the northerly winds push to the southern shore.
Three to five inch Menhaden were observed to be from several days old to recently dying and
lethargic. Most of the menhaden observed (99%) had red sores/lesions. This has been observed in the
past (almost exactly a year previous to date) and was documented as Ulcerative Mycosis caused by a
slime mold Aphanomyces invadens.
Physical data recorded indicated algal bloom activity beginning mid morning. DO values ranged from
5.4 to 8.5 mg/L. Salinities were from 3 to 12 ppt. Algal bloom samples were collected and sent to
DWR’s chemical laboratory for further analysis. Dying fish with lesions were collected and will be
frozen for further analysis by NOAA’s Wayne Litaker et al when possible. Given the large extent of
the kill, it is difficult to enumerate this situation. A best educated estimate would put these numbers
into the tens of millions.
**UDPATE**
10/09/2013
EMT staff continue to receive phone calls regarding dead fish. A resident of Northwest Creek
(Fairfield Harbor area) called to report dead fish all the way up to its headwaters. So it should be
expected to see adjaent tributaries affected by this slime mold and developing algal blooms during the
days, paired with low DO events during the evenings.
Recent cloudy and rainy weather may decrease the impact of oscillating DO from algal blooms.
However, the slime mold may continue to cause secondary mortalities.
New Bern,
Fishers
Landing,
Page 2 of 4
Date Kill Number Waterbody Location Mortality Comments
2013 Fish Kill Events (by County)
Phytoplankton samples near James City indicated a bloom of the harmless dinoflagellate, Polykrikos
and small round diatoms. Total algal sample density was 12,000 units/ml. Downstream samples near
Slocum Creek indicated a bloom of small round diatoms and the harmless chain diatom,
Leptocylindrus. Total algal sample density was 16,000 units/ml. Algal community composition was
typical for fall in local estuarine waters.
Total Kills for County: 2 Total Mortality for County: 10,100,000
Granville
8/19/2013 RA13002 Private Pond 200 Fish kill was first observed by landowner on 8/17/13. Dying fish were observed on surface gasping
for air. Stream that provided source for pond showed very high conductivity (380) and little flow.
Sanitary sewer line reported upstream from pond. Nutrient and fecal coliform samples collected.
Results pending.
Creedmoor
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 200
Henderson
4/2/2013 AS13001 UT to Britton Creek 75 City employee allowed 8 to 10 gallons of a chlorine solution to enter a storm drain in the vicinity of
the kill. Investigators suspected spill amount was enough to cause the event.
Hendersonville
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 75
Mecklenburg
7/16/2013 MO13001 Private pond 127 The main contributor to the kill appeared to be an upstream construction site that had recently
completed the logging phase of the grading and then sat idle for a month due to recent rainfall.
Grading activity restarted and a rainfall event occurred (~4" in less than 3 hours) that collected
material into the site sediment basin. The sediment basin discharged extremely hypoxic water,
sediment, and organic material into the pond where the fish kill occurred. In conjunction, a broken
private sewer lateral was found and contributed to low DO levels and organic material in the pond.
NW Charlotte
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 127
New Hanover
1/8/2013 WL13001 Banks Channel 500,000 National Estuarine Research Reserve System monitoring station showed a DO drop around the time of
the kill. Investigators Speculated that the fish school moved up the creek with the rising tide, became
too crowded, suffocated, and then were washed out as the tide dropped.
near
Masonboro
Inlet
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 500,000
Page 3 of 4
Date Kill Number Waterbody Location Mortality Comments
2013 Fish Kill Events (by County)
Pamlico
9/16/2013 WA13003 Neuse River 4,500 This report is based off a Neuse Riverkeeper incident report. Call received from a citizen who
estimated thousands of fish affected. UNC Marine Lab recorded low dissolved oxygen levels in the
area of the incident prior to occurrence. Neuse Riverkeeper visited the site and estimated between 3
and 5 thousand fish affected. She forwarded observations and photos to the DWR EMT. Cause of kill
was suspected to be a result of low dissolved oxygen.
Kennel Beach
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 4,500
Person
7/5/2013 RA13001 Private Pond 150 Fish kill was observed by landowner on 6/28/13. Over 2 days he observed nearly 100 bluegill and 50
largemouth bass dead or dying in the pond. Dying fish were near surface gasping for air. He took
pictures and showed them to DWR personel. Second pond that recieves drainage was not affected.
Prior to fish kill Roxboro had very heavy rainfall which was concluded to cause D.O. problems
leading to the fish kill.
near Roxboro
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 150
Sampson
4/26/2013 FA13001 Serenity Lake 100 The water level in the five acre pond was down approximately five feet. Approximately 100 dead
brim were positioned high on shore (approximately one to two feet). Live bass were seen in the pond,
and appeared to be active and unaffected. The fish kill appeared to have finished. One of the
residents admitted that he had sprayed the shoreline with Round-Up where the water had receded,
approximately three weeks prior to the fish kill.
near Clinton
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 100
Scotland
5/1/2013 FA13002 Leith Creek 300 Approximately 200 to 300 dead fish first reported to FRO in Leith Creek at a location between 1st
Street and 3rd Street in East Laurinburg. City of Laurinburg Utilities checked manholes and lift
stations, and found no problems. Investigators observed a storm water tributary that flowed into
Leith Creek (34° 47’ 35.44 N, 79° 27’ 42.26 W, Hwy 15 bridge McColl Road). The tributary had a
white cloudy appearance with a small amount of foam on the surface. Water samples collected
included BOD, COD, Pesticides, Herbicides, AmmoniaNitrate plus Nitrite, Phosphorus. Cause not
determined and chemistries are still pending . BIMS Incident Number 201300927.
Laurinburg
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 300
Union
3/4/2013 MO13002 Lake Twitty near Monroe 500 Heavy rain reported on Feb 26 and additional heavy rains reported 7 days prior.
Total Kills for County: 1 Total Mortality for County: 500
Page 4 of 4